How To make Too Much Trifle in 20 Easy Steps

How to make too much trifle.

1. Search Pinterest for two hours to find the perfect, easy (because kids 🙄), yummiest Patriotic dessert ever! Also decide on 10 random different DIY must do ideas (because...Pinterest).

2. Awesome. Link doesn't work.

3. Select the next best dessert with working link.

4. Get pissed off princess dress wearing toddler and carseat hating baby into the van with bribes of cookies and puppies and rainbows, to go to the store.

5. Sit in holiday Cape Cod traffic because apparently the rotary is difficult **eyeroll**. While in traffic, cave to random request from toddler and go to the children's museum for two hours.

6. Go to the store. Decide to double the recipe because everyone knows that serving sizes are a lie. Spend more than you want because.....cookies. See #4. Toddler can remember cookie bribe from two hours before but can't remember where she put her shoe two seconds before.

7. Make it back home. Promise Husband that your magnificent trifle will only take 35 min. #totallie **Note to self: Don't trust the make times on recipes.

8. Apparently doubling the recipe is mathematically hard. Pack up super pissed off kids back into van. How dare you interrupt their game of "Who Can Scream Louder in the Empty Room?" Spoiler Alert....Mommy can. Now get your butt in the van!

9. Back home with 3 more pounds of strawberries. Cut them all pretty like. Eat the "ugly ones". Wait! Why are you crying? Omg, it's an hour passed dinner. Mom fail.

10. Ummmm here.... Strawberries for dinner. Just eat it. No, I can't make bacon. Cheese? Sure. Pickles??? Ummmm no. Eat this peanut butter toast it's delicious. Cucumbers and Ranch? No problem, here ya go.

11. Go back to cutting a million mother effing strawberries. Decide that you need to make a star pattern. #Patrioticasamofo

12. ***scratches head*** Why is this so heavy? Hmmmm, 2 angel food cakes, 4 pints of blueberries, 4.5 lbs of strawberries, 2 pounds of cream cheese, 4 cups of heavy cream, a ton of sugar.....

13. Why doesn't it fit in fridge!?!? AHHHHH! Head to basement fridge. Okay, we're good. Proudly head off to bed and dream of feeding people your glorious trifle.

14. Next day. Proudly pack and safely secure your 100 pound magical made with love Patriotic Trifle in the van while proudly showing it off to the neighbors. "Yes, yes I made this.", "Thank you, it is lovely" "Of course I'll bring some over....well if there's any left"

15. Unload your perfectly behaved toddler and baby at your destination and lovingly carry in giant ass trifle. Wait patiently 3 hours for dessert time so people can enjoy the love and magic that you've created with your culinary excellence.

16. Watch as only three people eat it. Including yourself. It's freaking magical. It's magnificent. Eat my trifle, dammit!

17. Pack sleepy screaming kids back in car while calling your bff to keep sanity and make plan to unload half of your uneaten trifle at her house.

18. Pull over in time to allow toddler to vomit all over herself because she only ate cheese and pickles. #shouldhaveatemommiestrifle #just saying

19. Call Husband to warn him he's on throw up duty while hanging head out of van window in sad attempt to breath

20. When kids finally for the love of God pass out 2.5 hours past bedtime, eat a giant bowl of your Patriotic as F@#$, delicious trifle by yourself for dinner because there's at least 80 pounds of it to go. Also, it's pretty. Oh and apparently the serving size didn't lie....

Moving On

When is it time to part ways? Is this the right decision? How will this effect us? Is this a mistake? Is this the right thing to do? Over the last few months these questions have ran through my mind, over and over. There's been anger, annoyance, guilt and an anxiousness revolving around these questions. And then, one day you just know. Yes, it's time. I'm at a place in my life I never thought I would be at. No, I'm not talking about divorce. I'm talking about asking...no telling your adult child that it's time to move out.

When my daughter turned eighteen she stopped spending the night at our house. We barely ever saw her except when she needed a shower or a change of clothes. I started to feel like our home was nothing but a "storage unit", a saying that everyone in my family hates but it was how I felt nonetheless. I slowly became more annoyed and angry so my husband and I sat down and discussed what we wanted to do. "You're still the parent. What do you want to do? This is our house, our rules." I don't know, I would say.

As someone who had a horribly abusive childhood, was told all the time that she was hated, unloved and was kicked out finally for good at sixteen, I really struggled being able to let go of my own child. My job was to protect her, love her, keep for harm but at the same time prepare her to be confident, independent and ready to be on her own. I was at constant odds with myself over "letting" her go. I'm not doing this out of hate, or spite, or anger. I absolutely one hundred percent love my child. I would do anything for her. This includes allowing her the opportunities to grow up and be her own woman.

So, over the last yr my husband and I have sat down and come up with reasonable rules. Well, that proved to be too difficult. Reminders were said. Different rules and agreements were put together. Those didn't last either. And after months of this we were done. I said you need to go. There was no place for her to go. She's still here. Back and forth. Finally it's come to the point where enough is enough. It's eviction time.

How do you know it's time? When this happens. When you've given chances and tried different things. When they work and show they can keep a job. When they, forgive my wording, but treat your home like a storage unit or hotel. When they show and express how they don't want to contribute to the house or family. How do you know if this is a mistake? You don't. You look for the signs. You follow your feelings because you are still the adult, the parent and love her. It is still your home and your rules. Is this the right thing to do? Yes. When you've given chances, tried to set up different rules or ways to make it work together and those rules and ways are repeatedly broken...then yes it's the right thing to do. When contributing and being asked to help out is huffed at and used as a bargaining chip to change rules...then yes. When being part of the family is a bother, inconvenience....then yes. When entitlement behavior takes over....then yes. When overall you've been lucky with this child that has grown to be a smart, beautiful woman, who has worked since she was sixteen...then yes. When your child has paid their bills on their own and feels like they know everything and can do it on their own....then yes, it is time to take the next step.

I think as a parent you just know when it's time. When she first turned eighteen I hoped she'd stay forever. Now, just months away from nineteen, I'm ready to let go. Truthfully I should have pushed for this a few months ago. I should have said enough is enough but I wasn't ready to let go. I am ready to let go. I'm ready to nudge the little bird out of the nest.

Handy Dandy Wagon

After a long Mother's day weekend spent in PA, it was nice to come home to some warm sunny weather. I think the weather has finally turned the corner and these sunny days are here to stay! Paul, the kids and I spent Tuesday planting the rest of our gardens! Yes we have two!

I wanted to share with you the awesomeness and convenience of my new garden scooter. Paul picked it up from Home Depot for under $20! It comes in both teal and green, seen HERE, a removable kneeling pad, removable bucket and a handy pulling strap. The pulling strap even tucks back inside when you are done using it. The best part, besides being under $20 and being able to sit on it without worries, is that it comes with cup holders! I wasn't sure at first if this was something I needed or would really use but my mind sure changed the other day. All my little shovels, gloves and other gardening tools fit easily inside along with Lily's kneeling mat. I highly recommend this to all my gardening friends. It's definitely worth the money and is just overall a great time saver! And Lily is excited because she gets to pull this light weight wagon and be my "big helper" :)

What are you all planting this year? What is the gardening tool that you can not live without?

Day 30!!! List Included

That's it. Done. Overall, I say it went pretty well. There were a few days here and there that I really wasn't into it and there was the "oops" day with the trip to Express where I used my gift card. When I started this challenge I looked forward to how easy getting dressed in the morning would be. Well, that easiness only lasted about a week. Some days it was truly an effort to get dressed. Even with a list of what to wear I still couldn't decide what to wear haha! This challenge has shown me that yes, putting in effort is great but so are a cozy pair of pajamas and fuzzy socks on a rainy day when you are absolutely not leaving the house. I will still be getting dressed nicely most days. I love clothes and the feeling of just being "pulled together". Also I think people might ask me if I'm feeling well if I don't lol! I think the one thing I'm most excited about with this challenge being over is not having to take pictures of myself everyday. It's awkward. I am in no way a model and I have absolutely no clue how to pose. I literally looked up a few times how to stand and what to do with my hands. I also hate looking at the camera. Second thing that I'm happy about is that my closet has been downsized and redone. I had over 5 trash bags full of clothes, shoes and purses to donate!
So here it is, Day 30 of my 30 Day Fashion Challenge: Metallics
This dressy top needed no necklace. Just simple earrings and some silver bangles. White jeans (got the stain out! yay!), and a denim jacket kept this outfit from being overly dressy. I couldn't even tell you the last time I wore this shirt. No idea. It's a keeper though.

I am going to take a few days off of blogging. I will probably be back on Tuesday. Hope everyone enjoys the weekend and has a wonderful Mother's Day!

 LOVE you!
Nova

30 Day Fashion Challenge

Day 1: Casual Chambray

Day 2: No Jeans Pants Day (Linen pants, slacks etc.)

Day 3: Printed Skirt

Day 4: Olive Pants

Day 5: Lace and Pastel

Day 6: Kimono

Day 7: Old Shirt

Day 8: Wear a Blazer

Day 9: May Flowers (something Floral)

Day 10: Plain top and Pearls. Or plain top and dramatic necklace

Day 11: Boots! Plan an outfit around your favorite boots

Day 12: A Little Boho Love

Day 13: Wear a scarf as a belt

Day 14: Stripes!

Day 15: Joggers. Dress up your jogger pants

Day 16: Vintage

Day 17: Newer Top

Day 18: Romper

Day 19: Sporty (Leggings okay, but put some effort in)

Day 20: Nautical

Day 21: Graphic tee and Accessories

Day 22: Bootleg Jeans

Day 23: Star Wars (May the Forth)

Day 24: Spanish Flare (Cinco De Mayo)

Day 25: Palazzo Pants

Day 26: Shine Bright (bright colored top, layer, or pants)

Day 27: Gingham

Day 28: Maxi Dress

Day 29: Heels and Girlfriend Jeans

Day 30 Metallics

Heels and Girlfriend Jeans

 Okay so I kind of cheated with the no buying clothes.... I went to Express to see if they had a white fitted cardigan. They didn't. However they did have this gorgeous blush colored top. It has a romantic feel to it with its ruffles and one shoulder look. As I said I kind of cheated...why "kind of" well because I had a gift card. See, that's totally okay, right? Technically I didn't spend any money. Okay, okay. I failed. It was a no shopping challenge not a no buying challenge. I totally failed. I suck. I couldn't even make it the 30 days. Ugh!!
In spite of my failure at not shopping, I did at least do today's challenge which was to wear heels with 'girlfriend' jeans. Super realistic as a SAHM, stay at home mom, don't you think? ***eye roll*** What was I thinking? After looking at the pictures and the height of these heels, I will be changing them to a more classic 2" black heel pump. Not only will that be more reasonable for a day heel but will match better with the overall look. I accessorized my new top with a long blush and neutral toned necklace, gold stackable rings and a long knitted navy cardigan. I'm also wearing one of my favorite hats. Which, confession time, I wear due to the fact that I can barely ever find the time, have the patience or knowledge to style my hair.

Tomorrow: Day 30 and Metallics! See below for where to shop!

 You can find similar items below:

Tops
Express

Forever 21

Girlfriend Jeans
GAP

  Black heels made a huge difference!

Maxi Dress

Maxi-dress, was day 28th's theme. I was more than happy to bring out this dress that I got from Express last summer. This is one of my favorite dresses though surprisingly I think I've only worn it one other time. Which is a bit sad considering I paid full price for this and I talked myself into buying it by thinking how often I could wear it and the different places it could be worn. Also, by how I could dress it up or down easily with different shoes. **sigh** I really need to take my own advice and wear the clothes that I have. I think I'm going to do the hanger trick. You know the one where you turn all your hangers backwards and by the end of the year you see what you haven't worn because the clothing on those hangers are backwards still? I need to come up with something.

Anyways, though this dress at first glance may not seem casual I can assure you that I did in fact wear this all day. Not once did I feel over dressed. We ran a bunch of errands including a trip to Home Depot. I even played on the floor with the kids. I skipped on jewelry today but mostly because I simply forgot to add bracelets and a necklace. That probably helped with keeping this look on the simpler side too. I will admit that the maxi length did start to irritate me but that is mostly because Grayson is walking and he constantly would walk over to me and hang on the dress.   

As someone who never wore any patterns (besides stripes) till recently, I have to say that after this month I am drawn to patterns more than ever. Especially all things floral. Every time I wear something with flowers I notice that my day just seems to be better. Maybe because its Spring or maybe it's because I am a bit crazy. Who knows...lol.

Days 26, 27 and Mother's Day Present Stress

Day 27 and today's challange was to wear a gingham shirt. I decided to wear an older one I hadn't used in awhile. I wore it open as a cardigan since it was a bit windy out. I'm feeling a slight western vibe with my open toe, suede and fringed ankle boots, my silver jewelry and white laced top. I can definitely see myself repeating this look but with some cutoff jean shorts, this summer. 

* See below for more pictures and for day 26's look*  

I'm sitting in the van right now while the baby sleeps and I'm trying to come up with something to give my grandmother for Mother's Day. I am completely drawing a blank. Ive been trying to come up with the "perfect" gift for weeks! As a formal preschool teacher I have tons of ideas of cute things that the kids could make but I wanted her to have "more". Nana has been there for me all my life and I love her so much. For everything she has done, for all the love she has shown....how do I repay that? How can I show her how special she is to me? To us? Nana has recently moved to PA from southern California so this will be my first Mother's day with her, in who knows how long so it has to be great. 

We'll after stressing all week and now sitting here in my van I think I've got the perfect idea. I have all three kids pictures that i can frame for her new house and I think the kids will make something. And you know what? Whatever they do make, THAT will be perfect. Nana's gift doesn't need to expensive. It doesn't need to be extravagant it just needs to show her how much we appreciate and love her. I usually call her a few times a week so hopefully that helps to let her know how much I love her.

 Besides I gave her three amazing and super cute great-grandchildren which is pretty much the most awesome gift ever soooo..... 😉

Day 26: Bright Color 

This is the brightest clothing item that I own! So it was the obvious choice for Sunday's look. To tone down the brightness and because it was cool out, I paired the top with black jeans and my favorite denim jacket. Looking forward to wearing this, as well, this summer with some white or black shorts. I love the diamond detail on the back of this top! So fun.

Palazzo Pants

Today is a lazy rainy Saturday. We've sat around the house all day eating and watching movies and I almost forgot to take pictures and write. If ever there was a day not to get dressed and sit around in pajamas it would be today. Luckily its day 25 and I have these comfortable palazzo pants for "Prints on the Bottom" day. I have dressed these pants up, I've dressed them down and I've even pushed it and worn them once as pajama pants. Which I'll admit wasn't the greatest idea I ever had and slightly messed up the tassle tie. What!
 These pants are so comfortable. I wish I had a few more pairs. I'm really feeling THESE palazzo pants from Charlotte Russe. The lightweight material and casual stripes would be perfect for the beach, going out for a bite to eat or even watching TV all day. I prefer to always pair any patterned bottom with a solid colored well fitting tank or tee. You don't want to get to crazy with this much going on. How do you wear yours?

 Me standing out in the rain being a weirdo.

A Little Cinco De Mayo Flare

I just couldn't resist raiding Asia's closet today for this gorgeous top with a little Spanish flare! Luckily I had a matching beaded necklace and bracelet already. I came thisclose to breaking my no shopping rule at Francesca's today! I am addicted to this store and to make things harder on me they opened a new location less than  four miles from me! I think if I ever go back to work I'll work there. I never imagined going back to retail but I wouldn't think twice about accepting a job there! Of course most of my paycheck would no doubt be spent on clothes and accessories so maybe that wouldn't be the brightest idea.

Why was I tempting the no spending streak you may be wondering. Well, Paul was home from work and I jumped at the opportunity to get a few hours to myself! Francesca's was top of my list of places to spend my "me time". Tassels, pompoms and Spanish inspired clothing are so on point right now I just had to see what they had. A little retail torture for sure so I made sure to only browse a little while so I wouldn't be too tempted. As always they made sure not to disappoint and had some wonderful items. These bright, fun, and irresistible accessories below are just a sample of what they had. Not only would they be perfect for today's Cinco De Mayo holiday but for the entire summer! What better way to spice up your everyday outfits but with a splash of color and a dash of fun?! When my 30 Day Fashion Challenge is up, I for sure will be picking up these beauties! That necklace alone is absolute perfection!

I made it out of the store without buying anything, which is a first for me, headed home to my wonderful hubby and insane children. So happy I got a little time on my own and even more happy that Paul made some amazing tacos for dinner. Now to just get through bath time with these little lunatics of mine. 

Happy Cinco De Mayo everyone!! ❤❤

May the Fourth Style

Got to wear my Star Wars shirt after all! Happy May the 4th be with you day! I layered my top over a shirt dress, added some silver bracelets, Converse and of course some Princess Leia inspired hair and there ya' go. Simple, yet super cute. I found THIS chic striped dress at Lulus for under $40! If I didn't already have one I'd jump to get this! knowing me, I'd probably get the blue one as well. I'm sure everyone already owns at least one Star Wars shirt....if not, oh the shame you must be feeling right now. It's okay, I won't tell anyone.  THIS Darth Vader shirt from Kohl's is cool or if you are feeling a bit rebellious you could get THIS shirt. No matter which side of the Force you want to represent there is a shirt out there for every style! Have fun and may the fourth always be with you!

May Flowers

Spring dress, flowers, a little breeze and so much sunshine! I started today in jeans and a long laced sleeved tee but quickly changed into this adorable dress! I'm literally sitting out back tanning today! Can this weather just stay please? It is absolutely perfect! Today's theme was bootleg jeans but since it's my list I can change it ;) So it's now May Flowers. I've seen so many style challenge lists on Instagram lately I almost wish I would have just copied a list. They all have such snazzy named themes for each day. When the challenge is over next week I'll post my list and try to snazzy up the list for you.

A little something about this dress and perhaps a little shopping problem of mine.... If I like something but can't decide which color I like more I have the tendency to just buy both options. I have this exact dress in dark blue but with yellow flowers. The long sleeved top I mentioned above...it's cream but I also have it in royal purple. Does anyone else do this? I think this started when I dragged my husband along shopping with me one time. I remember not being able to decide which boots I wanted more and he said "Just get both". What?!?! Ummmm okay! It's like opening Pandora's box in a way.

Olive You

Olive or Military green is my favorite shade of green to wear. I love it! Get it Olive it? Olive you? I'm a hoot! Anyways..... Instead of just wearing a graphic shirt and jeans I made sure to add a few accessories to take this outfit from boring to well....not so boring. A fun matching belt, black blazer instead of a cardigan, simple rings, necklace and my favorite pearl earrings. I love this combination and it really just bumps up a simple everyday outfit.

 I used to always wear belts and accessories with every outfit but once I started staying home with the kiddos, I stopped doing so unless I was going out. This 30 Day Fashion Challenge, day 21 if your wondering,  definitely has me dusting off some forgotten items! 

Makeup and hair by Miss Lily! :p

Nautical Hit or Miss?

 When you hear the words nautical inspired outfit, is it just me or do you automatically think stripes? Navy, red, green, maybe even bright yellow colors but stripes all the same. This may be a total miss on my end but here's today's nautical inspired outfit. White shorts from Old Navy, blue knitted sweater (also from Old Navy but from 3yrs ago), red Hunter boots and red bubble necklace. I have at least six blue and white stripped shirts alone that I could have worn but I really wanted to wear this sweater. Mostly because I forgot I had it. Now that I think of it, I actually have it in a stripped peach and white version as well.

Our precious girl Zelda

I mentioned yesterday that we had tons of work to do in our backyard. Well, yesterday hubby built a very large second garden for us! Love being able to grow our own vegetables! We are hoping to actually can some of our veggies for the winter this year! We wanted to do this last year but our garden was so small and I was so busy with Grayson being a new born we just ended up eating everything. Also, Lily has a habit of standing in the garden and just eating everything once it sprouts!

Picture of our new garden. We will be planting herbs to dehydrate, onions, red cabbage, kale, broccoli, beans and tomatoes! Depending on room we may also plant a few sweet pepper plants!

Our other garden will have squashes, zucchini and cucumbers! So excited to make some homemade pickles again!